James Parkes (priest)

James William Parkes (1896-1981) was a British Anglican priest, theologian, and historian known for his groundbreaking work in promoting Christian-Jewish understanding. He dedicated his life to combating antisemitism and fostering interfaith dialogue, particularly in the aftermath of the Holocaust.

Parkes's academic focus was on the historical relationship between Judaism and Christianity. He challenged traditional Christian theology which, he argued, often demonized Jews and contributed to antisemitism. His research emphasized the Jewish origins of Christianity and the crucial role Judaism played in shaping Western civilization. He believed that a genuine understanding of Judaism was essential for Christians to understand their own faith.

Key aspects of Parkes's work include:

• Re-evaluation of Christian Theology: Parkes advocated for a revision of Christian teachings that had historically portrayed Jews as responsible for the death of Jesus and as a people rejected by God. He stressed the ongoing validity of the Jewish covenant with God.
• Combating Antisemitism: Parkes saw antisemitism as a profound moral and intellectual failure of Christian civilization. He argued that ignorance and prejudice were at the root of anti-Jewish sentiment and dedicated his life to educating others about Judaism.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Parkes actively promoted dialogue between Christians and Jews. He believed that through open communication and mutual respect, both faiths could enrich each other and work together for the betterment of society.
• Extensive Writings: Parkes authored numerous books and articles on Jewish-Christian relations, including The Conflict of the Church and the Synagogue (1934), Jesus, Paul and the Jews (1936), Antisemitism (1963), and Prelude to Dialogue (1969). These works remain influential in the field of interfaith studies.
• Founding of the Parkes Library: Parkes amassed a significant collection of books and materials relating to Jewish-Christian relations, which formed the basis of the Parkes Library at the University of Southampton. This library is now a leading resource for scholars researching the history of Christian-Jewish relations.

James Parkes's work was pioneering and continues to inspire efforts to promote understanding and reconciliation between Christians and Jews. He is remembered as a courageous and compassionate voice for tolerance and justice.